Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Lately, I am playing with a Swedish design element that has been around since the 1800s called a kurbit. According to Dalahorse.com the kurbit "comes from the Biblical story in which Jonah sat outside the city of Ninevah and the Lord caused a Kurbit, or gourd vine, to grow up beside him to protect him from the desert sun". For a very interesting essay on the Dala horse and its prominence in the World Expo of 1939, I recommend this site. There, you will learn all about this important symbol of Sweden. From the same site, is this history of traditional kurbits painting, which is also interesting.

In looking around the Internet at various kurbits examples, I found everything from the traditional to the more avant garde. Below are some designs and applications that grabbed my eye. (Attributive links when you click on the photos.) Note all the applications. They are endless.

My kurbit drawing is last.

This one reminds me of a Tarot card... stunning!

Okay (drum roll)... Here is mine:

This is just my first attempt. I was doodling around on some different supports, and I can't wait to try that next!